NGTV NEWS EXCLUSIVE
TRAILER REVIEW: HAIWAAN — PRIYADARSHAN’S DARK, RAIN-SOAKED THRILLER PROMISES A GRIPPING AKSHAY–SAIF FACE-OFF
Mumbai, August 25, 2026: The trailer of Priyadarshan’s upcoming psychological thriller Haiwaan arrives with an unmistakably dark and atmospheric punch. Marking the much-awaited reunion of Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 years, the two-minute trailer immediately establishes a world where murder, revenge and paranoia blur the boundaries between truth and perception.
At the heart of the story is Saif Ali Khan’s troubled investigator, who finds himself chasing an elusive killer responsible for a terrifying series of seven family murders over the course of a year. But this is clearly not a conventional cop-versus-killer thriller. The trailer repeatedly questions whether the mysterious “Haiwaan” is actually a person—or a terrifying creation born from collective fear.
Saif’s performance appears to be one of the trailer’s strongest elements. His character is visibly exhausted and psychologically cornered as he tries to make sense of a case that seems to have no straightforward answers. His line, “Maybe he’s the one we’ve created in our minds to confuse us,” perfectly captures the film’s unsettling psychological premise.
Akshay Kumar, meanwhile, makes an intriguing entrance as the mysterious Haiwaan. Rather than relying on loud or conventional villainy, the actor projects a controlled, almost chilling calm. His dialogue, “What’s worse than being blind? Being foolish,” adds another layer of menace and raises an important question: is Akshay’s character the mastermind behind the killings, a vigilante seeking revenge, or someone caught between the two?
Visually, Haiwaan looks remarkably atmospheric. Heavy rain, dark corridors, shattered glass, rooftops and frantic chases create a claustrophobic noir world. The trailer appears to favour tension and psychological dread over excessive action, which could work strongly in the film’s favour.
The supporting cast—including Boman Irani, Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Sharib Hashmi—adds considerable credibility to the ensemble, although the trailer wisely keeps their characters and motivations largely hidden.
One of the most interesting aspects is the emotional dimension of the narrative. Saif’s question, “How many more innocents will you kill in your fire of revenge?”, suggests that beneath the murders lies a deeper story of vengeance, trauma and consequences.
There have also been comparisons with the Malayalam thriller Oppam, particularly regarding certain investigative and suspense elements. However, based on the trailer, Haiwaan appears to be positioning itself as a darker, more psychologically driven experience rather than a straightforward remake or adaptation.
NGTV TRAILER VERDICT
Haiwaan makes an impressive first impression. Its biggest strengths are the Akshay–Saif confrontation, Priyadarshan’s atmospheric direction, a haunting visual palette and an intriguing mystery at its core.
The trailer does not reveal enough to spoil the story—and that is perhaps its biggest achievement.
NGTV NEWS RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ / 5
Verdict: Dark. Mysterious. Intense. If the film delivers on the promise of its trailer, Haiwaan could emerge as one of the more intriguing psychological thrillers of 2026.
Haiwaan is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on September 11, 2026.
— NGTV NEWS | ENTERTAINMENT EXCLUSIVE
